Readers sound off on Albany, gun violence and the Democratic presidential candidates

Let’s change the way Albany works

Manhattan: I’ve been reading all week about how our state government has changed. In many ways, we are right to celebrate. But Albany is just as opaque as ever. For every major achievement rightfully celebrated, an important bill was killed. If we can clean up Albany, good legislation will follow naturally.

We need time for legislators and the public to read and review bills. Let’s pass a statute, or constitutional amendment if necessary, that messages of necessity can only be justified by external emergencies. While we’re at it, let’s get rid of these deadlines entirely. Important bills shouldn’t have to wait six months between legislative sessions.

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Next, let’s make the legislative process more responsive to New Yorkers. Let’s create a petitioning process to force each legislator to issue a statement on whether they support a bill and whether it is ready for a vote. Also, the budget is completely under the thumb of the governor. The budget should be created in an open legislative process, not behind closed doors.

Finally, we need to make our state more small “d” democratic. We have taken some strides in this direction but are just scratching the surface. Two important ideas died this year and require immediate action: campaign finance reform, and same-day automatic voter registration.

When you finish reading this, call your representatives. Thank them, then tell them that they need to change the way they do business. David Siffert, president, Village Independent Democrats

Get well soon

Forest Hills: Last week, a student at my school was the victim of senseless gun violence. Instead of taking part in his fifth grade graduation ceremony, he is in the ICU. This sweet young man had his whole future ahead of him and now faces a long and arduous recovery before his life can get back on track. I want to know what our elected officials are going to do to make our streets safer so that a child can get a simple haircut for his graduation day and not get caught in reckless gunfire. Mayor de Blasio and Gov. Cuomo: Can you look in the mirror and truly say you are doing everything you can to make our city safe for the people who live here? Karen Gerdts

Time for a crackdown?

Brooklyn: I’m just wondering, of the innocent victims shot on the streets of New York, how many of the shootings would have been avoided with stop-and-frisk? Michael Diservio

Harsh critic

Manhattan: Since I detest both parties, here’s my review of Dem Debate Night Two: Biden got justly pounded. Bernie could’ve ended Biden’s entire campaign with one great zinger on Iraq. Instead, Kamala Harris pretty much ended Biden’s career, and that was fantastic. Obviously everyone loves Buttigieg, and he had some of the best lines ever in a debate, especially when he slammed any Republican who pretends to be “Christian.” Bernie was severely upstaged by an army of Bernie-come-latelys. Lovely Airhead Gillibrand was better than normal but still, eh. Swalwell got points when he slammed Buttigieg for not firing the police chief responsible for another racist police murder in Pete’s town. Even weirdo Marianne Williamson had some great lines. The bland white guys who none of us can remember had some good lines too. I’d say Kamala and Pete won this one. As usual, the moderators were the biggest losers. Both Dem debates were extremely interesting, however, and that’s a good thing. Janice Amato

Unamerican

Oceanside, L.I.: Millions of people have private health insurance. If (God forbid) one of these leftist loons gets elected, they will pursue Medicare for All (except themselves) and we will lose our private insurance. These radical socialists are totally devoid of reality, and, in my opinion, are a menace to society, to freedom of choice, and to America. Joseph J. Rebando

The vote

Astoria: There are only two candidates in the second debate who are ideal candidates and who have the confidence to be president of the U.S.A., and they are Pete Buttigieg and Marianne Williamson. All the others are singing the same old song. Susan Davis

Not well

Bellerose, L.I.: I wish they would ask Bernie if citizens in Venezuela got free medical. Then, how are they making out now? John van Acken

Washington nonsense

Williston Park, L.I.: Special Counsel Robert Mueller will be testifying before two congressional committees. Thank God, as I just can’t wait to hear all about the validity of the information Clinton and the DNC gave to the FISA court. After all, that is what started off all the talk about Russian collusion. Oh, wait! Mueller didn’t investigate that? That’s like starting a baseball game in the fourth inning, no? Bill Viggiano

Divided over ducks

Brooklyn: Re “The silence of the force fed ducks” (op-ed, June 22) and Voicer Yolanda Andrews’ letter: The division between urban and rural America continues. Instead of supporting our New York State farmers in their humane production of safe, affordable and nutritious foods, we allow ourselves to be manipulated by the animal rights cult with emotional videos and publicity releases packaged as op-eds. Stick to the facts. The production of foie gras is humane, provides much needed jobs upstate, and provides New York City a part of its worldwide culinary excellence. Walker Blankinship

Girl power

Beverly Hills, Fla.: I bought Mike Lupica’s latest book, “Batting Order,” for my granddaughter and loved it. When will he write a book about female athletes? I have some ideas for the plot. Lucie Jean

Disheartened fan

Scarsdale, N.Y.: I have been a fan of the New York Mets since their lovable and inept beginnings in 1962. In all those frustrating years, I have never seen a week that matches the wrenching and disappointing way they kept losing. How much worse can it get? Please, somebody call up “Choo Choo Coleman.” Harvey Wielstein

Really, dude?

Manhattan: To Voicer Robert W. Lobenstein: What a joke. Your ancestors came here willingly and could have left if they chose to. Africans came here in bondage, forced to work for free. They lost their history, language and religion. This was for centuries. Do you really want to compare our ancestors’ mistreatment in this country, you privileged white man? If your ancestors had to walk in our shoes, where would you be today? Something to think about before you make such stupid comments. Timothy Fries

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In the same boat

Rego Park: Thank you, Voicer Helen Murphy for writing in about high prices and the inability to negotiate with Spectrum. I, too, have been trying to get Spectrum to create a lower price range, especially for us seniors on fixed income — no luck! Unlike you, I never contacted the FCC, governor, or anyone else. However — this was a shock! — Spectrum had the FCC send me an application for Lifeline Phone and it has been approved and applied to my bill ($12.25 per month). However, the rest of the bill is still very difficult to cover. Anyone have any suggestions for (probably millions of) us? N. Morehouse